A comparative study of the inter-governmental relations between central and local government: The case of Turkey and Yemen

Examining the nature of intergovernmental relations between central and local governments has been an important pillar in the field of public administration in both practice and academia. This study has critically analyzed the nature and patterns of central and local government's relations in Turkey and Yemen. Besides, identifying the main challenges affecting the discourse of intergovernmental relations prevent the cooperative effort from implementing decentralization, achieving an efficient local government, transparency, fairness, and effective services delivery in Yemen. This is made through a historical comparative public administration development in both countries that dates back to Ottman Empire. In addition, to compering phenomena relating to intergovernmental relations, using a comparative case study method and rigorous review of government documents and academic materials related to the subject under consideration. The findings of this study indicate that Turkey has a strong and well-structured public administration system that can be traced, while Yemen has not only a weak system but also one that is on the brink of collapse due to the civil war. Hence, it is possible to suggest that the practice of local democracy in Turkey can be taken as a benchmark to strengthen local governments in Yemen. KeyWords: Comparative Public Administration, Local Governments, Central Governments, Decentralization, Intergovernmental relations, Administrative tutelage, Turkey, Yemen